Atlanta Braves at New York Mets

NEW YORK (Interstat) — First-place Atlanta visits the New York Mets on Friday night at Citi Field in the opener of a three-game series, with a 7:10 p.m. start and an 86-degree forecast that calls for rain.

The Braves (45-23) own the best record in the National League and sit 15 games ahead of the last-place Mets (30-38) in the NL East. Atlanta sends right-hander Nolan McLean (3-4) to the mound against a Mets lineup searching for consistency.

McLean will look to bounce back from a rough stretch. The Mets counter with a bullpen game or a starter yet to be named.

SALE ON THE MOUND – AND AT THE PLATE

The Braves are riding high behind left-hander Chris Sale, who will not start Friday but remains the team’s most electric arm. Sale (8-3) has been inconsistent of late, losing his last two decisions. On Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox, he allowed two earned runs over 5 2/3 innings in a 2-1 loss. On June 4 against Toronto, he gave up three earned runs in 5 2/3 innings. But Sale has shown vintage form: On May 28 at Boston, he struck out eight over five innings in a 10-2 win, and on May 20 at Miami he fanned eight over seven innings in a 9-1 victory.

WILLIAMS ANCHORS METS BULLPEN

For the Mets, closer Devin Williams has been nearly untouchable. The right-hander has not allowed an earned run in his last six appearances, striking out nine over 5 2/3 innings. On Thursday against St. Louis, he pitched a perfect ninth for his 14th save in a 5-4 win. The lone blemish on his recent ledger: May 24 at Miami, when he surrendered four earned runs without recording an out.

Atlanta 5, at N.Y. Mets 7

Atlanta Braves at New York Mets